Editorials

A different approach, perhaps?

Now, we have come across a bandh calendar doing the rounds on social media platforms. What is intriguing is that despite the existence of such a calendar, some of the total shut downs and general strikes and bazaar bandhs have happened to collide with one another like auto vehicles bumping into each other in a heavy traffic at Samu Makhong during office hours. We have also witnessed last minute changes and rescheduling of the dates and hours of bandh amongst so many JACs and organisations. Bandhs come out trailing after one another like diesel auto vehicles pouring out from governor road and they fade into oblivion amongst a river of vehicles already heading their way on the direction towards the chief minister’s bungalow.

Our obsession with bandhs and general strikes on an epic scale is quite remarkable. It is a lifestyle and culture of different group of communities having complex characteristics, and it has learnt to defy authorities and their administration which is symbolised by roadways. Hence, staying off the road and watching TV at home and burning a few tyres after lunch, but of course in a ‘democratic manner’ to show their protests towards authorities who are being more or less represented by these roadways has become a norm. Also, we happened to be great enthusiasts of fashion. One of the reasons why there are rivers of diesel auto vehicles flowing down the roadways is that we like to follow trends. There are a number of other possible means to earn an income by getting oneself self-employed. However, a wise man once said, “But Inao, the rest are driving auto rickshaws so you should too.” The psychology is not so different when it comes to demonstrating a protest, putting up a demand or when some people wants to show their next door neighbours that their already inflamed sensibilities got pricked by someone else’s actions or words. Yes, the answer is always and obviously bandh. It is like having Yongchak Iromba (bitter beans dish) all throughout the seasons. We simply love it, no matter how much or when.

Taking on a serious note, this tradition of calling public demonstrations while voicing demands against authorities, have narrowed down our perspective of looking for goals so much that we have stopped looking for other means of achieving our targets. Being of a section of a society which is so familiar with mob justice and physical violence, this comes as quite understandable. The people of this state in particular have entirely ignored the fact that there is thing called ‘self empowering in their own democratic rights’ granted by the system, no matter how imperfect it is. And through that channel, certain targets which seemed quite impossible at first, have been achieved.

Take for example, the specific case of removing Delhi University’s Vice Chancellor, Dinesh Singh from his post in 2014 following several allegations of ‘financial and administrative irregularities’ made by the DU varsity which runs almost in parallel with the allegations being charged against AP Pandey in Manipur University. The questions are, how did the DU varsity managed to remove their VC? Is there any way we can analyse a model of the solution or the process which Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) followed to achieve the seemingly impossible task of removing an unwanted VC? The plain facts are: DUTA after bringing up several allegations against VC Dinesh Singh, drafted a 41- page White Paper “Supported by documents and evidences acquired through RTI” which documented all the allegations against Dinesh Singh regarding his financial, administrative and academic irregularities. Following the release of the white paper which was subsequently forwarded to both the Ministry of Human Resource Development and the President (who is also the visitor of universities), a signature campaign addressed to the President was further launched on the online platform ‘change.org.’ Taking cognisance of the white paper which is backed by the signature campaign, the HRD ministry directed DUTA to explain the allegations against Dinesh Singh in details which the varsity did promptly. On the other hand, a show- cause notice was served to the VC of DU by the HRD ministry and in the turn of events, Dinesh Singh resigned from his post.

If the public in large, can think out of the box and stop following the usual and habitual routine of making demands and sit waiting for some higher authority to do the task, perhaps certain targets may be achieved. Instead of waiting to be rescued by some entity, we can perhaps learn to save ourselves through self-empowerment achieved from a different approach though it might sound outlandish at first to our conditioned sensibilities.

Print

Latest News

MOREH| Nov 19
Former chief minister of Meghalaya and CWC member of All India Congress Committee (AICC), Dr. Mukul Sangma today visited Moreh and personally inspected the Integrated Check Post (ICP) located at the Indo-Myanmar border near the town.
H.....

CHURACHANDPUR | Nov 19
Vice-president of Zomi Revolutionary Organisation (ZRO), Calvin H and his cabinet colleague has expressed their desire to bring major changes in the organisation in a press conference held at his residence located at Dorcas Veng,.....

IMPHAL | Nov 19
Assam Rifles has condemned the alleged claims of secretary of Thadou Students’ Association (TSA), Michael Lamjathang Haokip, of being man handled by Assam Rifles troops, as published in various newspapers on November 17 and November 18......

KANGPOKPI | Nov 19
Social welfare and cooperation minister, Nemcha Kipgen released a gospel visual album at Kangpokpi District Headquarters.
The gospel visual album named ‘Vanchoi Ngai Um’ produced in loving memory of (L). Ng. Hatneibem alias Bebem .....

About Us

IFP Leichin and Imphal Free Press are autonomous associates sharing contents. IFP Leichin runs this web portal and Imphal Free Press is a respected English daily published from Imphal. Intellectual proprietorship of all articles published on this website, except those sourced from Imphal Free Press will be with IFP Leichin. Intellectual proprietorship of articles sourced from Imphal Free Press will be with Imphal Free Press.